Ruben Amorim is under pressure at AC Milan just four months after being appointed manager, with the team sitting fifth in Serie A after winning three of their opening six league matches.
The former Manchester United boss replaced Massimiliano Allegri in the summer but has already faced criticism over the team's performances. Although Milan remain unbeaten in the league, they have dropped points in three draws, with the latest 1-1 stalemate against Sassuolo reportedly raising concerns.
Owner frustrated after Sassuolo draw
France international Adrien Rabiot opened the scoring shortly after the hour mark, but Sassuolo responded minutes later to level the contest. Reports in Italy claim owner Gerry Cardinale left the Mapei Stadium disappointed after watching Milan concede the equaliser and fail to find a winning goal.
This week, Cardinale was spotted wearing a cap that read: "Make Milan Great Again."
Portuguese press critical of performances
Portuguese newspaper A Bola has also been critical of Milan's performances, describing the Italian side as 'far from convincing' and accusing the team of producing lacklustre displays. The Rossoneri have been criticised for lacking a clear identity, with constant changes to the starting line-up and tactical approach blamed for disrupting the team's rhythm.
A Bola also highlighted the risks Milan continue to take when playing on the front foot, alongside their limited attacking output and a lack of depth in the squad. Matteo Gabbia's injury has weakened their defensive options, while Francesco Camarda, viewed by the manager as the only alternative to Goncalo Ramos up front, has been given just five minutes of playing time.
Ramos under scrutiny
Ramos has also come under scrutiny from the Italian press. Corriere dello Sport awarded the forward a rating of 5.5, arguing that 'his only opportunities came at the end of the first half' before adding that he 'was no longer seen' for the remainder of the match.
Meanwhile, Gazzetta dello Sport suggested Milan were growing increasingly desperate for their striker to find the net. The newspaper warned that Ramos, who reportedly cost more than €70million, risked being labelled an overvalued signing. Some fans on social media have even begun referring to him as "Ghostalo", a play on his first name that reflects their frustration with his performances.
Amorim's reaction and United exit
Speaking after the match, Amorim said: "We deserved the lead, but after the goal, it's clear we should have managed the game better, kept more possession, and curbed the opponent's reaction. We can't afford to concede goals from corners. It's clear we can't be satisfied when we throw away two points like that.
"Sometimes it's a question of mentality: you score a goal and you have to keep pushing, because it's clear that the opponent wants to try to react, and so we should have had much more possession."
Amorim spent 14 months in charge at Old Trafford before being sacked in early January. His departure followed a breakdown in his relationship with the club's hierarchy, including director of football Jason Wilcox. His public criticism of players and senior figures, rigid commitment to his 3-4-3 formation and lack of tangible progress were also believed to have contributed to his dismissal.
